The Government of Spain has authorized the commencement of the contracting process for domestic shipbuilder Navantia to design and construct two new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).
The new OPVs, with a budget of €716 million, will incorporate substantial improvements over their predecessors, both in operational capabilities and living conditions for the crew. They will be added to six ships already in service: Meteoro, Rayo, Relámpago, Tornado, Audaz, and Furor.
According to Navantia, these new units will feature an updated combat system, a next-generation integrated platform management system (IPMS), enhancements to communication and navigation systems, advanced cybersecurity measures, integration of unmanned vehicles, new workspaces and medical facilities, as well as increased accommodation capacity for crew members.
These improvements are said to enable the Spanish Navy to address current maritime security challenges more effectively, while also enhancing the quality of life for personnel on board. The aim is to reinforce maritime surveillance and security, as well as to maintain the operational capability of the navy’s maritime action force.
The engineering for this second extension of the BAM program will be developed entirely using the digital tools of the ELCANO program, which is owned by Navantia and based on Siemens technologies. This environment enables the integration of design, modelling, simulation, and construction in a connected digital workflow.
The construction of the OPVs from the BAM program is scheduled to take place at Navantia’s Puerto Real facilities, which are equipped with a high level of automation and advanced technology.
This line will shortly begin operating at full capacity to build blocks for the UK’s Fleet Solid Support (FSS) program.
To remind, in 2023, the Ministry of Defense of the UK awarded Team Resolute – comprising Navantia UK, Harland & Wolff and BMT – the contract to deliver three fleet solid support (FSS) ships to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The main task of the advanced FSS ships will be the underway replenishment of dry stores for Royal Navy vessels. Their capabilities foresee global operations for logistic support, operational support – including missions against piracy – and terrorism.